Mike Glover
Mike Glover spent 18-years in the US Army and as a government contractor for OGA. He served as a SGM in Special Forces in various positions and deployed multiple times to combat theaters. He is an expert in Counter-Terrorism, Security, and Crisis Management Operations and is the host of the Fieldcraft Survival Podcast on iTunes, and Soundcloud. He is an avid outdoorsman, overland enthusiast, traveler, and hunter. He has a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and resides in Heber City, UT where he is the CEO of Fieldcraft Survival. Find the books mentioned in Mike Glover's conversation with Joe Rogan below.
Books Mentioned on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) #1931 - Mike Glover
Book Title: Trible – On Homecoming and Belonging
Author: Sebastian Junger
Book Title: Survival Psychology
Author: John Leach
Book Title: Prepared – A Manual for Surviving Worst Case Scenarios
Author: Mike Glover
Book Title: The Comfort Crisis – Embrace Discomfort to Reclaime your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self
Author: Michael Easter
Book Title: Dopamine Nation – Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
Author: Anna Lembke, MD
Book Title: The Unthinkable – Who Survives When Disaster Strikes, and Why
Author: Amanda Ripley
Understanding the Context of American Contingency and Allegations of Extremism
The Genesis of American Contingency
Mike Glover, a former military and CIA operative, founded American Contingency in response to the political and social turmoil observed in places like the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) in Seattle. His motivation was to create a forum where law-abiding citizens could rely on each other in situations where they felt let down by the state, particularly in scenarios where law enforcement was instructed not to respond to certain areas.
Accusations of Extremism and the Role of the FBI
The group, however, came under scrutiny when an FBI analyst, conducting open-source intelligence searches, classified American Contingency as an extremist group. This led to a cascade of repercussions, including the shutting down of Glover’s company account on Shopify and a ban on all associated social media platforms. The allegations escalated to the point where Glover was labeled a domestic terrorist and a white supremacist, claims that were amplified by national media coverage.
The Impact of Labeling on Personal and Professional Life
This labeling had profound personal and professional impacts on Glover. His business suffered significant losses, and his efforts to contest the accusations were met with resistance and bureaucratic hurdles. The situation was further complicated by the involvement of external teams, such as one from India, managing his social media accounts, leading to cultural misunderstandings and communication breakdowns.
The Burden of Proof and Public Perception
A significant issue that Glover faced was the burden of proof. He found himself in a position where he had to demonstrate his non-involvement in events like the January 6 Capitol riot, despite a lack of evidence implicating him. This reversal of the burden of proof highlights the challenges faced when individuals or groups are preemptively labeled as extremists or terrorists based on limited or misinterpreted information.
The Broader Implications of Preparedness and Extremism
The case of Mike Glover and American Contingency raises broader questions about the line between preparedness and perceived extremism. It reflects a societal and governmental struggle to differentiate between legitimate preparedness activities, often motivated by a desire for self-sufficiency and safety, and activities that genuinely warrant concern for public safety.
The Ruby Ridge Incident: A Controversial Moment in FBI History
Introduction to the Ruby Ridge Case
The Ruby Ridge incident, discussed in detail during The Joe Rogan Experience episode #1931 with guest Mike Glover, serves as a controversial and defining moment in the history of the FBI’s engagement with civilians. This incident, often seen as a blemish on the FBI’s record, involved Randy Weaver, a Green Beret veteran from the Vietnam War who chose to live off-grid in rural Idaho.
Background of Randy Weaver and the Initial Conflict
Weaver’s decision to live a secluded life sparked the FBI’s interest due to a gun-related issue. The FBI and ATF’s investigation led to an on-site operation that escalated rapidly. The situation was particularly volatile because of Weaver’s background as a Green Beret, which should have flagged him as a high-risk target needing careful handling.
Escalation and Tragic Outcomes at Ruby Ridge
The operation took a tragic turn when Weaver’s son and his dog encountered FBI agents in ghillie suits on their property. This encounter resulted in the death of Weaver’s son and an FBI agent. Weaver then barricaded himself in his cabin, leading to a tense standoff with the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT). The situation further deteriorated when an FBI sniper killed Weaver’s wife while she was holding their baby.
FBI’s Tactical Errors and Public Controversy
The Ruby Ridge incident ended with Weaver’s surrender, facilitated by his former commander. However, the fallout was significant. The FBI faced legal consequences and public outcry for their handling of the situation. The incident raised serious questions about the agency’s tactics and decision-making processes, especially in high-stakes situations involving armed civilians.
Reflections on Government Overreach and Civil Rights
In the podcast, Glover and Rogan delve into the broader implications of Ruby Ridge, discussing the tension between government agencies and individual rights. They highlight the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of respecting constitutional rights and civilian lives.
Conclusion: Learning from Ruby Ridge
The Ruby Ridge incident, as discussed on The Joe Rogan Experience, underscores the complex dynamics between law enforcement agencies and civilians, especially those with military backgrounds. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for careful, informed decision-making in law enforcement operations and the profound consequences when things go wrong. The episode sheds light on a pivotal moment in American history, offering insights and lessons that remain relevant today.
Understanding the Challenges Veterans Face
The Complexities of Veteran Disability Status
In a revealing conversation on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” episode #1931, Joe Rogan and his guest, Mike Glover, delve into the intricacies of veterans’ experiences, particularly focusing on the complexities surrounding veteran disability status in the United States. Mike Glover, a veteran himself, explains the meaning of being 100% service-connected disabled. This status, termed “total and permanent,” indicates a full disability according to the Veteran Affairs office and ensures that veterans’ compensation and disability status cannot be arbitrarily reduced.
Veterans’ Struggles with the Veterans Affairs System
Glover shares his personal experiences with the Veterans Affairs system, highlighting its unique challenges. He describes the process of evaluation, where a veteran’s physical and mental health are thoroughly assessed to determine their disability rating. Glover’s own evaluation resulted in a rating of over 200%, summing up various factors including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress. However, he emphasizes the fear and reluctance many veterans feel about being labeled with PTSD, especially due to concerns over red flag laws potentially impacting their rights, such as gun ownership.
Encountering Skepticism and Misunderstanding
A significant portion of the podcast highlights the skepticism and misunderstanding veterans often face during their evaluations. Glover recalls instances where his combat experiences and the extent of his injuries were questioned or doubted by evaluators. This disbelief, he notes, is not only frustrating but also insulting, especially for those who have served at the forefront of military operations. The conversation reveals a gap in understanding and empathy within the system, where veterans’ real experiences and sacrifices are sometimes met with incredulity.
The Issue of Misrepresentation and System Abuse
Another critical issue discussed is the misuse of the disability system by some individuals. Glover points out that not all military service involves front-line combat, and yet, many seek disability status for experiences that might not be as severe or directly combat-related. This misrepresentation strains the system and affects the perception and treatment of those with genuine needs.
Finding Support and Respect Within the System
Despite these challenges, Glover also shares positive experiences, particularly with a counselor who was a Vietnam veteran. This rapport, built on mutual respect and shared experiences, was crucial for his journey through the system. However, he notes that such understanding and effective support are not consistent across all Veterans Affairs facilities.
Conclusion: The Need for a Better Understanding of Veteran Experiences
The conversation between Joe Rogan and Mike Glover on “The Joe Rogan Experience” sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by veterans in dealing with the Veterans Affairs system in the United States. It underscores the need for a better understanding and appreciation of veterans’ experiences and sacrifices. As Glover’s story reveals, while there are instances of positive support, there is still a significant gap in the system that needs addressing to ensure veterans receive the respect and care they deserve.